Minnesota: Summer of 2017

For the past three years, Tim's family has had a Werder Family Reunion near the end of July. This is always a great time catching up with family! As an added bonus, we head over to Minneapolis a day early for a stop at the Mall of America. 

 This mall has such great shopping. The end of July is a perfect time to be here, as we are (just barely) beginning to think of clothing needs for back to school.

 When the Ninja Turtles are out, of course you need to stop and say hello!

 Snapchat filters are the coolest.

 We're walking along, and Mallorys said, "Hey, Mom! Look! They have a Tim Hortons!" WHAT?! As if I needed another reason to like this place. 

 #gimmetimmys

 If you know Mallory at all, you know that's she is not a hugger. (Like me.) Looks like she's going to hug Spongebob, doesn't it? Didn't happen. ;)

 We *might* have struck a deal. Let us take your picture with Spongebob - she detests having her picture taken with characters - and we'll get you and your brother Twilight Passes for the rides. SOLD!

 These are two very happy kids right here. We have never taken the plunge on the Nickelodeon Universe rides for several reasons. I'm really glad we did, though. The Twilight Pass was a decent deal, and the kids had so much fun! With so much riding experience from Six Flags, these two are amusement part pros. They appreciated that every ride was smooth. :)

 It felt like date night to us! See you at the exit, kids! #myfavoriteguyrightthere

 Our kids are up there somewhere. Eeek!

 As if I didn't already have enough steps for the day, I ran upstairs to snap a quick picture of Isaiah and Mallory on the log ride.

 There they go! 

 Again - up there somewhere!

 Front row! Oh, yeah.

 They look bored, don't they? They didn't realize that they needed to use the controller in the middle to flip upside down. Much more fun the second time after they figured this out. 

 Only ones on the ride! Woot woot!

 Closed the place down! Isaiah and Mallory were on the last ride of the night for Spongebob.

 Day 2 - begin with Timmy's.

 Tim has a friend that lives near the cities. It was great to catch up with Stefan! He was able to join us for lunch at Buffalo Wild Wings. Isaiah was PUMPED. He has this thing for buffalo sauce right now.

 Mallory loves cats!

Saturday afternoon was the family reunion. It is held at Sibley State Park in New London, Minnesota. The picnic shelter is fantastic. We learned last year that it even works well for a large group in the rain. I have one - very precious, see below - picture from the reunion. I left my phone in the car, so it would not be a distraction. I am kicking myself, though, because my phone is how I take pictures. Next year - more pictures.

 I love this picture of Isaiah. He was just chilling on the wall, enjoying being outside. :)

We stayed the night in Willmar, so we could take Tim's grandmother to church on Sunday morning. It is so nice to have the opportunity to pick her up and bring her there. Watching her greet and visit with all of her friends is the absolute sweetest. 

After church - a quick lunch at Hardee's.